Sandy Springs Considers Ban On Retail Pet Sales

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Sandy Springs leaders are weighing whether they should consider banning the sale of pets at retail shops in its jurisdiction. The City Council at its Nov. 7 work session reviewed revisions to Chapter 26 of its ordinance that would prohibit pet shops from selling or offering to sell cats or dogs.

These stores, according to the proposed ordinance, may "offer for adoption only those dogs and cats that the pet shop" they've obtained in cooperation with an animal shelter, animal control center or rescue organization. It would also ban these shops from adopting out cats or dogs that are younger than eight weeks old.

The city of Canton in March adopted a similar ordinance, making it the first municipality in the state to take such a step. That city's ban, while met with strong opposition from those representing retail companies, sailed through the Council on an unanimous vote.

Sandy Springs' ordinance would also force pet shops to maintain records to document where each dog or cat comes from for at least a year after they arrive at that establishment. The ordinance also would require those shops to post "in a conspicuous location" a sign listing the name of the facility or rescue organization where each pet originated. Any shop that sells a cat or dog faces a fine of up to $500 for each pet.

In its ordinance, which promotes the adoption of rescue animals, the city cites figures from the Humane Society of the United States that say 10,000 puppy mills are responsible for producing 2.4 million puppies each year and "that nearly all pet shop puppies and kittens come from puppy and kitten mills, respectively."

Puppy mills, the city adds, are "mass-breading facilities" that emphasize profits over welfare. These places are overcrowded, and cats and dogs often go without adequate food, water, socialization or medical care, according to the city. These conditions lead to behavioral and health issues, hereditary and congenital diseases among the dogs and cats housed in these facilities.

"Puppy mill puppies often arrive in pet stores and their new homes malnourished and with various diseases," the resolution adds. "These diseases often lead to serious illness and/or death causing the consumer to incur excessive veterinary costs and emotional hardship."

Adoption of this ordinance is in the best interest of the city, as it controls pet overpopulation, protects citizens who may purchase pets from a shop, promote responsible pet ownership, help crack down on inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness and promote fair business practices, according to the language under review by the City Council.

Sandy Springs spokesperson Sharon Kraun said the ordinance was discussed during the Nov. 7 work session, and since the "Council is still receiving information and will ultimately be asked for a vote, we are deferring interviews."

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